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When Should I Get New Tires?
Your tires are one of the most important components of your driving experience, but they aren’t indestructible. As the one part of your car that is in constant contact with the ground, over time, they can wear down or possibly be damaged by road debris.
At Energy County Ford, we want drivers in Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, as well as Lake Charles, LA, to be confident in the health of their tires. If you’re wondering when you should get new tires, we’ve put together a handy guide of some of the signs to look out for, and what to do if you need them.
Age
One of the simpler ways to track your tires’ health is by age. You can usually expect a tire to last around six years, though you should always replace tires before the 10-year mark. Due to rubber degrading over time, old tires can look fine on the outside, but still have structural damage on the inside.
If you’re unsure of the age of your tires, you can find a 16-digit identification number printed on the tire’s sidewall. A good way to locate this number is to look for the letters DOT, which make up the first three digits. The last four digits will indicate the week and year the tired was manufactured.
As an example: If the last four digits read “2720,” that indicates the tire was manufactured in 27th week of 2020.
Tread Wear
Tread is what enables your tire to grip the road and allows you to easily steer and brake. It’s also important when driving in snow, rain, and icy conditions. Tread is measured in one 32nd of an inch, or 1/32 inches. Most tires start with a tread depth of 10/32 inches or 12/32 inches.
Once tread depth reaches 4/32 inches, you should begin closely monitoring tread. At 2/32 inches, it’s time for a new tire. Tread depth can be measured a number of ways. Most tires come with tread depth indicators embedded in them, or you can use a tread depth gauge tool to measure depth. You can even use a penny or a quarter if you don’t have tools handy!
Visible Damage
An easy way to monitor tire health is to look for any visible signs of damage. As you’re driving, sometimes nails or other road debris can puncture your tire. If the tread is punctured, it can possibly be repaired, but if the sidewall is damaged, you’ll need to replace the tire.
You should also look out for any bulges, blisters, cuts, or cracking in your tire. Any of these, or other irregularities, can point to structural damage or degradation and the tire should be replaced.
Vibration or Disturbance While Driving
If you experience any disturbances while driving, it could be a sign that your tires need to be replaced. If you feel your car drifting to one side, it could be a sign that one of your front tires is older or wearing faster than the other.
You may feel your brake pedal bounce when you press on it, or your car vibrating while you drive. These symptoms could call for new tires, but they also possibly point to misaligned or bent wheels, or a suspension issue.
Regardless of the cause, if something feels off when you’re driving, it’s always best to get it checked.
Getting New Tires
If you notice any of the above signs and you decide it’s time for a new set of wheels for your ride, come see us at our service center. Our team of trained technicians is ready to help diagnose and solve any tire troubles or other issues you may be having.
Our technicians use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and accessories, which are parts designed for your specific make and model by the manufacturer. This means you can expect them to fit well and deliver a reliable performance.
You can schedule service with us online or give us a call if you have any questions. We also have a rotating lineup of service specials for you take advantage of!
Drive Confident With New Tires
Keeping tabs on the condition of your tires is a great way to continue driving safely and confidently. If you have any questions or concerns about your tires, or other parts of your car, get in touch with our team at Energy County Ford! We’re ready to help drivers in Lake Charles, LA, and Port Arthur and Nederland, Texas, today!
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| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |